Pic from Wix media
Afternoon Tea is quintessentially a British tradition originating in the early 1840s by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. The story goes that the Duchess was experiencing a 'sinking feeling' in the late afternoon, and started having a pot of tea and a light snack to stave off hunger until the evening meal. This soon became fashionable among the English aristocracy and evolved into becoming a social event. Nowadays it is a cultural phenomenon and is more than tea and sandwiches, as hotels, restaurants, and caterers offer sophisticated and beautiful experiences.
If you're in London or heading here for a trip, here is a list of top hotels that are known for their Afternoon Teas:
The Ritz London
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Some might say The Ritz is the ultimate Afternoon Tea location.
Location: 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR, UK
Price: Starting from £75 for adults and £53 for children
Time Frame: Served daily at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm
Reviews: The Ritz is renowned for its luxurious and traditional style. Guests often praise the elegant setting and impeccable service. 'Their final ingredient is to ensure your Afternoon Tea is quite simply, unforgettable'.
Pic from stjameslondon.co.uk
The Savoy
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This Hotel opened in 1889 and by the 1920s, Afternoon Tea was a firm tradition at The Savoy.
Location: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, UK
Price: Starting from £92 for a traditional Afternoon Tea or from £115 with Champagne
Time Frame: Monday served between 12:30pm - 5pm Tuesday - Sunday servings are between 12:30pm to 7pm.
Reviews: The Savoy's Afternoon Tea is celebrated for its classic charm, delicious pastries, and extensive tea selection. It is in the Thames Foyer with lovely natural light and a warmth about it. Guests often mention the stunning Thames River views.
Claridge's
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This is an iconic hotel that opened in 185 and recently completed a huge refurbishment that was completed in 2021.
Location: Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR, UK
Price: Starting from £90 per person, with Champagne from £100 pp.
Time Frame: Served daily between 2:45pm - 5:30pm
Reviews: Claridge's is known for its elegant Art Deco surroundings in The Foyer and Reading Room. Their dishes are based on creativity to bring a delightful, elegant and fun experience.
Dietary: Can notify them directly of specific dietary requirements for your experience
The Dorchester
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Location: 53 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA, UK
Price: Starting from £95 per person, with Champagne from £105
Time Frame: Served daily at 1 pm, 2:15 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm, and 5:30 pm
Reviews: The Dorchester offers a sophisticated Afternoon Tea in The Promenade with a focus on quality and taste. The vibe is a stylish setting where they are keen on the habit of dressing brilliantly. Sitting in The Promenade is Liberace's famous piano to serenade guests is a very special touch.
Dietary: Vegan options available
Brown's Hotel
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Location: Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP, UK
Price: Starting from £95 per person
Time Frame: Served daily between 12pm - 6:30pm
Reviews: Queen Victoria is believed to have taken hers at Brown's, in their elegant and intimate setting Drawing Room.
Dietary: Vegan options available
The Langham, London
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This hotel opened in 1865 as Europe's first grand hotel. 'It was The Langham who popularised this tradition by being the first hotel to feature this new meal on its menu when it opened.
Location: 1C Portland Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA, UK
Price: Starting from £62 per person
Time Frame: Served daily
Reviews: The Langham is known for its stylish Palm Court setting and a delectable Afternoon Tea experience. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and elegant atmosphere. The menu is overseen by Michel Roux Jr and takes inspiration from the nation's favourite biscuits and baked tarts, paired with JING teas and Gusbourne English sparkling wine. The Langham celebrates all things British.
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan and gluten-free menus
Fortnum & Mason ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER, UK
Price: Starting from £80 per person
Time Frame: Served daily from 11:00am - 8pm
Reviews: Fortnum & Mason, known for its premium teas, provides a classic Afternoon Tea in a historic setting. Served in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. The salon was named in honour of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth's visit in 2012.
Dietary: Offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and made without nuts.
(Pic from F&M website)
Hotel Café Royal
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Location: 68 Regent St, Soho, London W1B 4DY, UK
Price: Traditional at £85 or £95 with a glass of Veuve Clicquot
Time Frame: Served daily at 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm
Reviews: Hotel Café Royal offers a modern and elegant Afternoon Tea experience. Served in the golden salon known as the Grill room that was once Oscar Wilde's favoured retreat.
Dietary: Vegan afternoon tea available
The Shard - Ting
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Afternoon Tea with a view
Location: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU, UK
Price: £89 or £99 with a glass of champagne
Time Frame: Served daily from 12:30 pm to 4 pm
Reviews: The Shard's Ting restaurant provides a unique Afternoon Tea with stunning views of London.
The Berkeley
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Location: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RL
Price: From £80 per person (excluding seasonal and festive collections)
Time Frame: Served daily from 1pm - 5:30pm
Reviews: Pret-a-Portea: The Couture Cakewalk. This is a playful and stylish selection of couture cakes inspired by designers from Victoria Beckham to Nina Ricci. A favourite with fashionistas.
Harrods ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
Price: From £73 per person
Time Frame: Served daily from 12pm - 7pm
Reviews: The Harrods Tea Rooms provides the best tea selection in the world.
Dietary: Vegan menu
Afternoon Tea Etiquette Tips
To break a scone in half, you use your hands not a knife
Jam or cream first? There isn't an actual rule for this, it is purely whatever you prefer.
Afternoon Tea is not High Tea
When excusing yourself from the table, place your napkin on the left side of your plate, not on the chair.
Stir your tea with an up-and-down motion, not a circular.
Before visiting, you should check the hotel websites for the most up-to-date information on prices, availability, and reservation details. It is best to book in advance, as some hotels are booked up 3 months in advance. However, you can email us at contact@ladypa.co to use our concierge contacts if looking for a last-minute booking or want a VIP experience.
Enjoy your Afternoon Tea experiences in London!